Manufacturing Engineer II - Fabrication & Machining

1w1 week ago

Rocket Lab USA

Auckland, NZ · Full-time · NZ$110,000 – NZ$160,000

About this role

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design, manufacturing, and satellite components to open access to space. The Manufacturing Engineer II - Fabrication & Machining drives innovation, optimizes processes, enhances production quality, and implements solutions to meet operational goals while ensuring safety and compliance.

Design and improve manufacturing systems for complex, fast-paced projects, establish QMS processes, SOPs, and work instructions. Collect production data, analyze KPIs, define tool life strategies, and own non-conformance reporting to reduce downtime and drive improvements.

Rocket Lab’s Manufacturing team builds satellites, components, and rockets using advanced machinery and techniques like 3D printing across global sites. Collaborate across teams to tackle technical challenges, streamline workflows, and deliver projects on time and on budget.

Lead automation initiatives, contribute to strategic projects with capital investments in new equipment, and fuel continuous improvement. Join a driven team tackling challenging projects for exciting missions supporting NASA, Earth observation, and space exploration.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related
1+ year experience with quality management systems
Strong communicator with proven ability to deliver KPIs
Experience in fabrication and machining processes
Knowledge of production data analysis and KPI trends
Familiarity with tool life management and non-conformance processes
Understanding of manufacturing workflows, routings, and process validation

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and improve manufacturing systems for complex, fast-paced projects
Establish and document processes and instructions related to the Quality Management System (QMS), Work Instructions, and SOPs
Collect production data, analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), and identify trends to drive improvements
Define and implement tool life management strategies to optimize production line performance and reduce downtime
Take ownership of the Non-Conformance Reporting and Root Cause Management
Create part routings and workflows for production
Perform process validation activities, Equipment Acceptance Testing, and First Article Inspection
Identify opportunities for automation and implement solutions to enhance efficiency